K.C.'s Blog

2011-09-11T23:37:00.001-07:00

Maybe I'll resurrect this blog...hmmmm...we'll see!

The Convalescent Home

2010-01-05T21:34:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know, I have the privilege of teaching a Bible study twice a month at a convalescent home. I was blessed and ministered to last Sunday by two people, so I thought I would share.

The first picture shows Roy, a very funny and joyous man. He is deaf and his sign language interpreter was not there. Desiring to worship, he put his hands on the stereo to feel the vibration. Very humbling to watch.

The second picture shows Dede worshiping to "Jesus Paid It All." She was new to the home and the love and joy of Christ was flowing through her. She left for a short time to try to bring her friend to the study and she told me that she has been "working" on others so that they would come hear the Word. During the sermon, she raised her hand several times to comment, ask questions, and provide insight on the text. She is a great blessing and encouragement.
Praise the Lord!

2009-11-22T18:43:00.000-08:00

Wow. It's almost been two months since my last blog. Oh well. Check out this sweet poem, which is by an unknown author:

I counted dollars, while God counted crosses;

I counted gains, while God counted losses.

I counted my worth, my things gained in store;

And He sized me up by the scars that I bore.

I counted honors and sought degrees,

He counted the hours I spent on my knees.

I never knew until one day by the grave

How vain are the things that we spend life to save.

That is something to think about for sure.

School, School, School

2009-08-31T15:56:00.000-07:00

Will I ever be done with school?

I work at Norco High School.

I am completing my undergraduate education at CBU.

I am taking transferable elective units at RCC.

3 different schools all at once.

Today was the first day of working at Norco High School. I am officially a freshmen all over again! I enjoy being at school and I know that the Lord has me in school, both for work and education, for a specific reason. It is sweet to be a student, to work with students, and also to minister to students (high school ministry).

15 Negative Effects of a Watered-Down Message

2009-08-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted a blog in so long!

Anyways.

The following is a summary of "Plexiglas Preaching: The Devastating Consequences of a Watered-Down Message," in the book Fool's Gold?: Discerning Truth in an Age of Error, edited by John MacArthur. He offers 15 points that list the "negative effects of the superficial brand of preaching that is so rife in modern evangelicalism." He says, "I offer them as a warning against superficial, marginally-biblical preaching--both to those who stand behind the pulpit and to those who sit in the pew."

1. It usurps the authority of God over the soul.
2. It removes the lordship of Christ from His church.
3. It hinders the work of the Holy Spirit.
4. It demonstrates appalling pride and a lack of submission.
5. It severs the preacher personally from the regular sanctifying grace of Scripture.
6. It clouds the true depth and transcendence of our message and therefore cripples both corporate and personal worship.
7. It prevents the preacher from fully developing the mind of Christ.
8. It depreciates by example the spiritual duty and priority of personal Bible study.
9. It prevents the preacher from being the voice of God on every issue of his time.
10. It breeds a congregation that is as weak and indifferent to the gory of God as their pastor is.
11. It robs people of their only true source of help.
12. It encourages people to become indifferent to the Word of God and divine authority.
13. It lies to people about what they really need.
14. It strips the pulpit of power.
15. It puts the responsibility on the preacher to change people with his cleverness.

Therefore, we need to preach the word (2 Tim 4:2) and listen to those who do the same!

Resolved Conference

2009-06-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went to the Resolved Conference out in Palm Springs with my brother. It was a great blessing! The theme of the conference was on sin. By recognizing just how sinful I am, I can realize just how amazing God's grace it. Click on any of the links to download the sermons. They are great!

The War Against Your Soul - Rick Holland

Blessed Bankruptcy - Steve Lawson

Who’s Really at Work? - C.J. Mahaney

Blessed Purity - Steve Lawson

A Theology of Creation - John MacArthur

God’s Sovereignty Over Satan’s Fall - John Piper

A Biblical Strategy For Fighting Sexual Sin - Rick Holland

The Sanctifying Shepherd - John MacArthur

The Troubled Soul - C.J. Mahaney

How Sin Serves the Glory of Christ - John Piper

8th Grade Promotion and Summer Break!

2009-06-16T21:38:00.001-07:00

I am officially on summer break! Although, I am going to work summer school which is from July 6 through July 31; it is a great blessing. June 12th was my last day of work at Norco Intermediate because next school year Phil and I moving up to Norco High School! We are going to have a great time in high school. I had a great time working at NIS and the 8th grade promotion ceremony was great. Check it out:

These are other students I work with:

Now it is time to make the best use of my summer, even though I am still in school at night!

21st Birthday!

2009-06-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

I turned 21! I had a great birthday simply because I have wonderful people in my life! I went to Ooka for dinner with my family; it's my favorite! We also had some good pie at my house. Also, I went to Chipotle with some friends for a small celebration; it was a blessing. And at work one of the students made me a cake and we went to Scandia! It was a great blessing! Thank the Lord for another year.

On the go-karts!

2 Year Anniversary

2009-06-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

On June 3rd Michelle and I celebrated 2 years of being together. The Lord has blessed us with such a great relationship and we love being together. We went to the Palm Springs Aeriel Tramway and Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. It was so much fun!

I gave Michelle a pearl necklace =)

We had a wonderful dinner on top of the mountain.

We were on top of that!

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-26T23:11:00.000-07:00

For Memorial Day weekend Michelle and I had a great opportunity to go to Del Mar and have a mini vacation! Since we aren't married, it is hard to get away and stay at different places. But our friend works for Air1 and got us free passes for Spirit West Coast and I stayed in a hotel room with other guys and Michelle stayed with some girls. We had an amazing time! It was such a refreshing time for both of us. Here are some descriptive pictures!

We were boomin' to Toby Mac!

The Newsboys were sweet.

Some older guy parked his wheelchair in the parking lot. It was funny!

We heard Nick Vujicic speak. He is truly anointed.

We were able to spend a lot of free time at the beach. It was wonderful.

There is a park that overlooks the beach. It is one of my favorite places!

We are so O.C. with our Starbucks at the beach.

Stoppin' for a pic.

The beaches are nice because they do not have soft sand.

Overlooking the beach.

We decided to go to Coronado Island! This is on the bridge.

We visited the famous Hotel del Coronado.

This is on the top floor of the hotel.

By the beach at the hotel.

Pretty sunset =)

I had a wonderful time with my love <3<3<3

Thank You Mexico!

2009-05-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, my class had a celebration with nachos and horchata! It was fun! Yum, I really like horchata!

They Have a Good Philosophy About Education

2009-05-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

Berea College in Kentucky is truly a remarkable school. I believe they have a great philosophy on education:

At Berea, which was founded in 1855 as the first integrated college in the South, all 1,530 students work at least 10 hours a week in a campus or service job, earning $3.80 an hour and four years of free tuition. Eighty percent of the school's operating costs are funded by its endowment and the rest comes from donations.

Instead of hiring workers and spending tons of money, students receive free education but they have to work at the school and maintain it. Obviously there are ways they have to spend money (room, board, transportation, etc.) and there is funding that is given because the teachers need to be paid. But I think this is a great opportunity for many low income families.

Their motto is:

“God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth. Since its founding in 1855, Berea College's scriptural foundation, "God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth," has shaped the institution's culture and programs. Founder John G. Fee, an ardent abolitionist, asserted that Berea was founded "in the midst of many privations and persecutions to preach and apply a gospel of impartial love..."

CBU Is Crazy

2009-04-29T23:15:00.000-07:00

I just finished the Spring semester at CBU and yet they are still asking me to apply to their school. They are pushy! I am (or almost am) a Senior and they still have me on the college application e-mail list. lol.

Kevin, your future is approaching fast with less than four months before CBU's fall 2009 semester begins.

But don't worry (too much) ... you still have time to apply!

To get started, simply fill out our online application (select the "Undergraduate Daytime Traditional link) and your friendly CBU admissions counselor will do the rest.

Or, if you would like to speak with an admissions counselor now, call (866) 7676-CBU or send a note to admissions@calbaptist.edu

Want to find out more about CBU? Take an online guided tour or go to CBU TV to access a library of videos.

Thank you for your time ... have a blessed summer!

Thus Saith KC: NBA Playoff Predictions

2009-04-21T19:04:00.000-07:00

First Round

Western Conference:

Lakers vs. Jazz = Lakers

Trail Blazers vs. Rockets = Rockets

Spurs vs. Mavericks = Mavericks

Nuggets vs. Hornets = Nuggets

Eastern Conference:

Cavaliers vs. Pistons = Cavaliers

Hawks vs. Heat = Heat

Magic vs. 76ers = Magic

Celtics vs. Bulls = Bulls

2^nd Round

Western Conference:

Lakers vs. Rockets = Lakers

Mavericks vs. Nuggets = Nuggets

Eastern Conference:

Cavaliers vs. Heat = Cavaliers

Magic vs. Bulls = Magic

Western Conference Championship:

Lakers vs. Nuggets = Lakers

Easter Conference Championship:

Cavaliers vs. Magic = Cavaliers

NBA Finals:

Lakers vs. Cavaliers = Cavaliers

Spring Break

2009-04-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of my Spring Break from work was when I decided to hang out with Phil and take him to the movies to see Monsters Vs. Aliens. We had a great time! I also ate Pinkberry during the movie! Yum!

The movie was pretty funny, but one monster cracked me up! His name is Bob.

Not that I am an indestructible gelatinous mass that tries to hit on jello, but something about him reminds me of myself.

Easter

2009-04-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3-5)
"And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty" (1 Cor 15:14).
"And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!" (1 Cor 15:17).

If it wasn't for the resurrection then my faith would be completely pointless and I would still be in bondage to my sin. Also, I wouldn't have hope for a future resurrection and I would be following a false Messiah. Think about 1 Peter 1:3. Because of the resurrection we have been born again. Amen!

1st Sunburn of the Year

2009-04-08T19:40:00.001-07:00

Let the sunburns begin!

Flashback from North Carolina

2009-04-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

In the Summer of 2007 I went with the SWAT team to North Carolina to support the Harvest Crusade. Like all SWAT trips, we invited tons of people out to the crusade and I had a great conversation in one of the malls. I talked to a man named Robert, shared the gospel with him, and he decided to ask God for forgiveness by himself as I stood and watched him. It was pretty cool because we so commonly resort to having them recite and repeat the "sinner's prayer," but he decided to pray himself.

Anyways, the other day at work I received a phone call and the area code was 408. I thought, "random voice recorded message," and I hung it up. Then the phone rang again so I stepped outside of the class and answered it. Well, it was that guy Robert from North Carolina! I never talked to him after that day in the mall and he told me that he had found my cell phone number in his wallet and he wanted to call and ask for prayer.

He said that within the last two weeks he really started to take his relationship with God seriously, but he was still struggling because of certain situations in his life. He randomly found my number in his wallet and decided to call me.

Isn't that cool that after talking to some guy nearly two years ago randomly calls asking for prayer?

Chipper

2009-03-30T22:27:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would post an update on my tooth. Yup, still chipped. I am going to the dentist on April 6.

The Apostles

2009-03-29T22:19:00.000-07:00

In his book The Imitation of Christ, Thomas à Kempis made a great statement about the Apostles. Let us learn from their example:

They were poor in earthly things but rich in grace and virtue. Outwardly destitute, inwardly they were full of grace and divine consolation. Strangers to the world, they were close and intimate friends of God. To themselves they seemed as nothing, and they were despised by the world, but in the eyes of God they were precious and beloved.

I Loved This Movie

2009-03-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

This movie is absolutely worth watching. Michelle and I watched it over at Walter and Ily's house the other night. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas illustrates the equality of race and the sanctity of life. I highly recommend this movie. And yes, it is sad, but it is very good.

Do You Get It?

2009-03-22T22:17:00.000-07:00

I think the Lord is trying to tell us something in Psalm 136:

1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!For His mercy endures forever.2 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!For His mercy endures forever.3 Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!For His mercy endures forever:4 To Him who alone does great wonders,For His mercy endures forever;5 To Him who by wisdom made the heavens,For His mercy endures forever;6 To Him who laid out the earth above the waters,For His mercy endures forever;7 To Him who made great lights,For His mercy endures forever--8 The sun to rule by day,For His mercy endures forever;9 The moon and stars to rule by night,For His mercy endures forever.10 To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn,For His mercy endures forever;11 And brought out Israel from among them,For His mercy endures forever;12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm,For His mercy endures forever;13 To Him who divided the Red Sea in two,For His mercy endures forever;14 And made Israel pass through the midst of it,For His mercy endures forever;15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,For His mercy endures forever;16 To Him who led His people through the wilderness,For His mercy endures forever;17 To Him who struck down great kings,For His mercy endures forever;18 And slew famous kings,For His mercy endures forever--19 Sihon king of the Amorites,For His mercy endures forever;20 And Og king of Bashan,For His mercy endures forever--21 And gave their land as a heritage,For His mercy endures forever;22 A heritage to Israel His servant,For His mercy endures forever.23 Who remembered us in our lowly state,For His mercy endures forever;24 And rescued us from our enemies,For His mercy endures forever;25 Who gives food to all flesh,For His mercy endures forever.26 Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven!For His mercy endures forever.

Now read the text without the "His mercy endures forever."

Psalm 136

1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!2 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!3 Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!4 To Him who alone does great wonders,5 To Him who by wisdom made the heavens,6 To Him who laid out the earth above the waters,7 To Him who made great lights,8 The sun to rule by day,9 The moon and stars to rule by night,10 To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn,11 And brought out Israel from among them,12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm,13 To Him who divided the Red Sea in two,14 And made Israel pass through the midst of it,15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,16 To Him who led His people through the wilderness,17 To Him who struck down great kings,18 And slew famous kings,19 Sihon king of the Amorites,20 And Og king of Bashan,21 And gave their land as a heritage,22 A heritage to Israel His servant,23 Who remembered us in our lowly state,24 And rescued us from our enemies,25 Who gives food to all flesh,26 Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven!

Truly, His steadfast love endures forever. Because it is repeated so much, it is almost as if the Lord is trying to drill it in our heads: "My mercy endures forever."

Saint Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T22:58:00.000-07:00

Good ol' St. Patrick's day...Well, today is my brothers birthday! He turned 23! Happy birthday brother. We went to El Torrito...yum! This is a picture from last year:

Phil showed up to school in this really funny green hat:

I have always laughed at this video and due to the superstition that is involved with this day about leprechauns, I thought I would post it. Have a laugh...where's the gold at?

Interesting stuff:

Due to all the beer drinking and superstition that is involved with "Saint" Patrick's' Day, I thought I would post some things that he personally wrote. I read The Confessions of St. Patrick last night and his life is pretty remarkable and completely contrary to the contemporary vain traditions that are associated with his life. If you would like to know the history about St. Patrick, check out Mark Driscoll's blog. I will not blog about the history of his life, but you will be blessed by the life of this pirate prisoner turned legendary missionary. These are just a few things I thought I would post:

#1: “I, Patrick, a sinner, a most simple countryman, the least of all the faithful and most contemptible to many…”

#12: “. . . before I was humbled I was like a stone lying in deep mire, and he that is mighty came and in his mercy raised me up and, indeed, lifted me high up and placed me on top of the wall. And from there I ought to shout out in gratitude to the Lord for his great favours in this world and for ever, that the mind of man cannot measure.”

#16: “I used to stay out in the forests and on the mountain and I would wake up before daylight to pray in the snow, in icy coldness, in rain, and I used to feel neither ill nor any slothfulness, because, as I now see, the Spirit was burning in me at that time.”

#47: “Now I have put it frankly to my brethren and co-workers, who have believed me because of what I have foretold and still foretell to strengthen and reinforce your faith. I wish only that you, too, would make greater and better efforts. This will be my pride, for ‘a wise son makes a proud father.’”

#55: “But I see that even here and now, I have been exalted beyond measure by the Lord, and I was not worthy that he should grant me this, while I know most certainly that poverty and failure suit me better than wealth and delight (but Christ the Lord was poor for our sakes; I certainly am wretched and unfortunate; even if I wanted wealth I have no resources, nor is it my own estimation of myself, for daily I expect to be murdered or betrayed or reduced to slavery if the occasion arises. But I fear nothing, because of the promises of Heaven; for I have cast myself into the hands of Almighty God, who reigns everywhere. As the prophet says: ‘Cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you.’”

#62: “But I entreat those who believe in and fear God, whoever deigns to examine or receive this document [his confessions] composed by the obviously unlearned sinner Patrick in Ireland, that nobody shall ever ascribe to my ignorance any trivial thing that I achieved or may have expounded that was pleasing to God, but accept and truly believe that it would have been the gift of God. And this is my confession before I die.”

Traditionally, “The Breastplate Prayer” has been attributed to him. I have only quoted a section of it due to its length:

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,

Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today

Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

Through belief in the threeness,

Through confession of the oneness,

Of the Creator of Creation.

According to tradition, Patrick used the three leaf clover to describe the trinity.

So, as the world drinks beer, wears green, and searches for leprechauns and gold, think upon the historical Saint Patrick that served the Lord. If he was still with us today I am sure he would be completely upset at what is celebrated in his name. This is what Patrick would say to us: I wish only that you, too, would make greater and better efforts" (Confession 47). Of course, he is talking about making greater and better efforts of serving the Lord and spreading the gospel, which is obviously contrary to drinking green beer, pinching people, and searching for leprechauns.

Evangelism in America

2009-03-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting read on evangelism in America and what might just happen to start getting Christians to share their faith.

Taken from John Piper's newest book, Finally Alive (171-172):

What Will It Take Today?

What will it take so that thousands of Christians in our churches become passionate about telling the gospel to unbelievers? One of the reasons we don’t do it as much as we should is that life in
America is so entertaining that thoughts about desperate, eternal, spiritual need are hard for us to feel, let alone talk about. The world is just too interesting and entertaining. It feels awkward to make ourselves or others uncomfortable with thoughts about perishing people. It’s heavy. But life in America is light.

So perhaps what God will choose to do is what he did for the church in Jerusalem. They were not moving out from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the world in evangelism the way Jesus told them to in Acts 1:8. So Stephen was raised up to bear such irresistible testimony (Acts 6:10) that the only way his adversaries could handle him was to kill him (Acts 7:60).

And when they did, the persecution spilled over onto all the Christians in Jerusalem. “And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8:1). And what was the result? Acts 8:4: “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Literally: “Those who were scattered went about gospelling the word (euangelizomenoi ton logon, Acts 8:4–5). They weren’t preachers. They were just ordinary folks, thousands of them (Acts 2:41). After they were driven out of their homes, they went everywhere telling the good news.

Is this not an amazing response to persecutions and pain and loss and exile and homelessness? They did not go everywhere complaining. They did not go everywhere questioning God. They went everywhere “telling the good news.” O that we would so love the gospel and have so much compassion for lost people that tribulation and distress and persecution and famine and nakedness and danger and sword and gun and terrorist would turn us not into fearful complainers, but bold heralds of good news.

Precisely when they were persecuted, they went everywhere telling the good news of Christ. Maybe the Lord will do it that way. He certainly is doing it that way in some parts of the world, and millions are being born again—through the loving, bold, clear telling of the gospel by persecuted Christians.

It's Gone!

2009-03-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

I chipped my tooth playing basketball! I was driving towards the hoop and I got close lined!

I think I like the new look. Now I can really be a hick. Anyone have some overalls I can have?

Corrupted Schools

2009-03-13T16:49:00.000-07:00

As many of you have heard, the public schools in California are a hot topic right now. Schools have had to drastically cut their budgets, which means that people are going to get fired. In the district that I work at (the Corona-Norco School District) we are cutting a projected $37 million for this school year and the next. Therefore, many teachers are going to receive a pink slip. By law, the teachers are suppossed to receive them by March 15. So as you can imagine, teachers were very scared today and many of them wore pink clothing in order to "protest" this giant problem.

The Point of this Post

My union, the CSEA (California School Employees Association) is updating all of us about the corruption that is going on in the various districts. Well, the Hemet school district is in a mess! While teachers are being laid off, the Superintendent and 7 of his assistants are receiving raises! Their greed is causing others to lose their job.

They will be receiving a two-year compensation package totaling $2,875,726.00 in
the midst of devastating cuts to education funding.

Wow. You can imagine the uproar that is happening. Hard working teachers are losing their jobs, and the big shots are getting raises. Check out a video of one of their intense board meetings by clicking here.

All of this chaos brings one word to my mind: corruption!

Doesn't this situation give evidence that we live in a fallen world?

Treasure

2009-03-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field" (Matthew 13:44).

Good visual:

We have true Treasure.

A Valuable Quarter

2009-03-11T23:45:00.000-07:00

Whether or not the following story is true or not, it serves as a great reminded that some people are watching our Christianity closer than we think. Sometimes the small things that we do really can make a difference in someone else. Check it out.

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston , Texas . Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.

As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.'

Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet.'

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, Here, you gave me too much change.' The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher in town?' 'Yes' he replied. 'Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday.'

When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.'

MV #5

2009-03-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

This verse is just another jewel to add in the treasure chest of verses that show the authority and validity of the Bible (such as John 17:17 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17). The entirety of the Word is truth.

The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.

Psalm 119:160

Weekend Wedding

2009-03-08T22:47:00.000-07:00

Michelle and I went to Patrick and Bobby's wedding on Saturday. It was great! I always like going to weddings because they ultimately remind me of how one day there will be a great wedding in heaven, where the believers are the bride and the Lord is the Bridegroom. Here are some pics:

Sometimes...

2009-03-05T23:37:00.001-08:00

you just have to have some fun and be a gangsta...

Birds, Snakes, and Trashcans...Oh My!

2009-03-04T22:11:00.000-08:00

As some of you know, I help run a recycling program at my work where I take a few students out to the lunch area to collect plastic bottles. We turn in all of our bottles and spend the money for things in the classroom and for field trips, like going to Disneyland. We are able to raise quite a lot of money!

Anyways...I was digging through a trashcan with my "claws" and look what I found....

Yup, I found a dead bird and a dead snake. The snake was fried to a crisp and was like a centimeter thick! Maybe the bird killed the snake and died from it's venom? lol j/k.

I just thought I would share my random discoveries at work...crazy/random huh? The snake has actually been in the same trash can since Monday! You would think that they would take the trash out, especially since there is a dead snake in it, lol.

MV #4

2009-03-03T19:05:00.000-08:00

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore

Psalm 16:11

Isn't this verse sweet? Because of the Lord we have the path of life, fullness of joy, and pleasures forevermore.

You make known to me the path of life

He is the guide (You) and I am the traveler (me). He shows me the way (path) that is perfectly aligned with His will (life). As a young man, it is extremely comforting to know that He will make known to me the path for my life. He has already led me to the narrow path of salvation through Christ, so I can be confident that He will continue to show me His path.

in your presence there is fullness of joy

Fullness of joy is found in his presence! I need to continually remember that true joy is found in his presence so that I don't make broken cisterns that can't hold any water; instead, I need to go to the Fountain of living water (Jeremiah 2:13). Fullness of joy! The Holy Spirit's presence is in us, but I can't wait to be in His presence!

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Who is at the right hand of the Father? Jesus! There are pleasures forevermore more found at the right hand of the Father, where Jesus is. Therefore, there are pleasures forevermore found in Jesus.

Also, it is pretty cool to know that I have the same verse memorized that the Apostle Peter had memorized. In Acts 2, Peter preached a sermon and he quoted Psalm 16:11 by memory (v.28):

You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

Remember! LIFE, JOY, and PLEASURES are found only in the Lord.

Disneyland Field Trip!

2009-03-02T21:00:00.001-08:00

I went on a field trip to Disneyland last Thursday with my work. Phil and I had such a great time! I truly loved it and enjoyed every moment of it because we had a blast and Phil had so much fun. After we rode the rockets, the ride operator gave Phil the Honorary Citizen of Disneyland button! Check out some pictures!

I'm an Artist

2009-03-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

This past week I finished my art project. I did it while I was with Phil during his third period art class. Of course, I don't get a grade on my project, but it would be an A! Since Allison has been posting pictures all of her art projects for school, I thought I would post mine!

Kung Fu Panda is sweet!

So, am I a pro or what???????

This is My King

2009-02-26T21:55:00.000-08:00

I will just let the video speak for itself. Check it out! It is only a little longer than 3 minutes.

Sad, but True

2009-02-24T17:12:00.001-08:00

“The only Bible the world reads is the daily life of the Christian. And what the world needs now is a revised version.” - Unknown.

Any thoughts?

MV #3

2009-02-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

Psalm 111:2:

Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.

Or, for convenience, I like to say, "The works of the LORD are great, they are studied by all who delight in them."

This verse makes me realize that reading the Word isn't enough; I must study it. Those who delight in his works, study his works. This is not only referring to the Old Testament, but it can refer to all of God's works.

My reading can be a mile long in width, but only an inch thick in depth. Reading is the width but studying is depth. This verse will be a helpful reminded to...

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15, KJV).

The Greek word for "study" is spoudazō. It can be defined as to be diligent, to endeavor and labor, and to study.

This doesn't mean that I go and lock myself in my room all day to study, but I should be diving into the Word and studying it.

I need to be diligent and labor in the word because I delight in the works of the Lord.

Remembering Pastor Ralph Arthur

2009-02-21T23:14:00.000-08:00

Pastor Ralph is finally home. He finished the race and he fought the good fight. He persevered until the end and did it with such joy that depicted the love of Jesus in such a unique way. Ralph will truly be missed. There are several words that come to mind when I think about him, but I will only mention a few: loving, compassionate, and faithful.

These are the ministries that Ralph served as overseeing pastor :

Hospital Visitation Ministry

James 1:27 Convalescent Ministry

Men's Cancer Support Fellowship

Women's Cancer Support Fellowship

More Than Conquerors Disabilities Fellowship

Simon's Hand Ministry (food)

The Lord Cares Bereavement Fellowship

Wow. Count them! There were 7 ministries that Ralph was faithfully committed to. It could easily be said that he had a heart of gold, but to think about it, he didn't have a heart of gold, he had a heart full of Jesus!

He says in his bio page that he suffered 12 years of drug and alcohol abuse. If any of you knew Ralph, you couldn't even image that happening. This just shows how much the Lord worked in his life by taking his sinful heart and replacing it with His. He said:

Those things that I seemingly could not let go of no longer had a grip on my life. I started attending Harvest and have never looked back, except to give thanks to God for giving me a new life in His Name.

Michelle and I were just talking to him on Wednesday night after the service as he walked by with his usual smile. Man, I am going to miss that. Sometimes I put service projects together for the high school ministry and I would always go and contact Ralph because I knew he would have something for me. Actually, the last time I contacted him was about a week ago. I never though that it would be his very own family that would be the ones who would need help.

I remember one night after Day7 that I went up to the stage after service and asked Ralph if he had any service projects for the high school students. He replied with such joy and excitement and expressed how he was so proud of me for wanting to lead up a service project. He shared how he was excited that a young man wanted to be used by the Lord. It was very encouraging to be lifted up and encouraged by him. I am not sure, but I think he might of prayed for me as well.

He leaves behind his wife and five children. The ministries that he used to run so effectively are all now applicable to his family. May the Lord be with them.

To Recap:

To reflect on his life and ministry: He was a man who made hospital visitations, ministered to orphans and widows in convalescent homes, comforted cancer patients with hope, graciously ministered to people with disabilities, ran a food ministry, comforted those who were suffering the loss of a loved one, faithfully attended Day7 as an extra service of ministry, and always loved those who he came in contact with. I am sure the list could go on and on. I do not know much about his personal life, but I am positive that he was an amazing husband and father.

His favorite verse was:

I love the LORD, because He has heard
My voice and my supplications.
Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live (Psalm 116:1-2).

And he did just that, he called upon him as long as he lived, Amen. What a great example that he served. He is truly irreplaceable. May we all learn by his life and legacy.

Horses and God's Sovereignty

2009-02-21T12:09:00.000-08:00

Well I am back on the farm in Norco. That is, I am house sitting for Phil's family and they a bunch of animals. You can get the full info by clicking on my previous post. So anyways, I have to take care of three huge horses. It is so interesting to be around them and gaze upon their strength and size.

In Job 39, God is listing all sorts of things that display his power in creation. He is asking Job, "Where were you when I formed this?" or in other words, "Did YOU make all of this?" He did this in order to show his infinite wisdom, power, and sovereignty.

Here is Job 39:19-25:

19 Do you give the horse his might? Do you clothe his neck with a mane? 20 Do you make him leap like the locust? His majestic snorting is terrifying. 21 He paws in the valley and exults in his strength; he goes out to meet the weapons. 22 He laughs at fear and is not dismayed; he does not turn back from the sword. 23 Upon him rattle the quiver, the flashing spear, and the javelin. 24 With fierceness and rage he swallows the ground; he cannot stand still at the sound of the trumpet. 25 When the trumpet sounds, he says ‘Aha!’ He smells the battle from afar, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.

I must answer "No" to all of his questions at the beginning of these verses and admit that He is the creator, and I am not. He is the potter, I am the clay.

No wonder why I am sometimes nervous while standing next to the horses: their snorting is terrifying (v.20), they laugh at fear and wont turn away from the sword (v.22), they fiercely rage (v.24), and they can smell war (v.25). Wow!

So next time I complain about what God is doing, all I have to do is look at the horse and here Him say, "You see that beautiful and powerful horse that isn't scared of anything? Ya, did you make that?"

20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made (Romans 1:20).

The Lord is so powerful and I have to remind myself that he is in control of all things. Good thing I have a constant reminder because all I have to do is look at his creation. It can be as simple as looking at a horse!

Mr. Piper and Mr. President

2009-02-17T20:43:00.000-08:00

Whew, John Piper goes off on the relationship between the President and abortion. Read his blog, Being Pro-Life Christians Under a Pro-Choice President. Two of his most crucial points that he addresses directly to the President are:

Are you willing to explain why a baby's right not to be killed is less important than a woman's right not to be pregnant?

And if you say that everything hangs on whether the fetus is a human child, are you willing to go before national television in the oval office and defend your support for the "Freedom of Choice Act" by holding in your hand a 21 week old fetus and explaining why this little one does not have the fundamental, moral, and constitutional right to life? Are you willing to say to parents in this church who lost a child at that age and held him in their hands, this being in your hands is not and was not a child with any rights of its own under God or under law?

Thought provoking for sure. Any thoughts?

MV #2

2009-02-15T22:12:00.000-08:00

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3-7, ESV).

A wonderful truth is that our theology should produce a doxology, which literally means "the glory of God." It is an expression of praise to God. The theological truths in this passage definitely produces a doxology, which is why I wanted to memorize it. I can't read this without having some type of gratefulness to the Lord. These verses vividly display the process of death to life that each Christian goes through. I was so blessed by reading these verses because they make me think about how the Lord has called me out of darkness and into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). I wanted to memorize these verses so I can continually recite the gospel to myself from scripture.

Look at the comparison:

Old Life in Sin	New Life in Christ
foolish	wise
disobedient	obedient
led astray	found
slave to passions/pleasures	slave to righteousness
spent in malice and envy	spent in compassion and care
consumed with hate	consumed with love

Isn't the "but" in this verse so sweet? I was full of sin, BUT God saved me according to his own mercy. He did this by the washing of regeneration (being born again) and renewal of the Holy Spirit. This was poured out to us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior. We are justified by grace and become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Wow.

What a sweet section of scripture.

Fear of God and Sanctity of Life

2009-02-12T23:37:00.000-08:00

Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live...And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families (Ex 1:15-17,21).

As you read, the king of Egypt wanted to kill all the male babies that were born due to the rapid population increase of the Hebrews. He was scared that they would defeat him. These midwives feared God and did not obey the commands of someone who was supposedly the ultimate authority.

The sanctity of life is likened here to the fear of God. Why did the ladies fear God? Because they knew that God did not approve of the killing of innocent children. God blessed them for this and provided for them. It is something good for us to remember: the sanctity of life is associated with the fear of God. Therefore, it would seem logical to state that the people who are receiving/performing abortions do not fear God.

Let us be mindful of this in regards to abortion and "human rights."

Set Free

2009-02-12T07:38:00.000-08:00

In Mark 5, a man named Legion who had an unclean spirit was living in some tombs and all day and night he would cry out and cut himself with stones. He was too strong to be locked with shackles and chains, that is, until he had an encounter with the Son of God.

Jesus said, "Come out of the man, unclean Spirit!" Then the demons begged to enter into some swine, so Jesus permitted it. Nearby people were amazed to see this once demon-possessed man sitting next to Jesus and being clothed.

The point of this is that Jesus has done the same for us. He has made us a new creation and clothed us with his righteousness. People can now look at us and be astonished that we can now sit next to Christ and be clothed. I am not saying that we were once all demon-possessed, but we were all slaves to sin. This man who was freed from being demon-possessed asked to go with Jesus as he left, but Jesus said, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you" (v.19).

We get to do the same: tell other people (friends) what great things the Lord has done for us, and how He has had compassion on us. We have the opportunity to do this because just as the demon-possessed man was set free from the unclean spirits, we have been set free from sin.

Joseph's Work Ethic

2009-02-10T22:35:00.000-08:00

As you will see, Joseph had a wonderful work ethic. Most importnatly, it wasn't his hard work or determination that paid off, it was the Lord shining through his hard work and obedience that made him prosperous. His work ethic was directly impacted by the grace and mercy of God. May our work ethic reflect Joseph's and let it produce the same results: God being glorified.

Joseph's brothers threw him into a pit and sold him to the Ishmeelites. From there, Joseph was brought into Egypt and was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard. But...

The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. 4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. 5 From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field. 6 So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate (Gen 39:2-6).

Joseph was then falsely accused of sleeping with Potiphar's wife and was thrown in prison...

But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. 23 The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the Lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed (Gen 39:21-23).

Then Joseph interpreted Pharoah's dream, made him a proposal, and was released from prison.

This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” 39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. 40 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt. (Gen 41:37-41).

Being full of godly wisdom, Joseph set up a great storage plan based upon his interpretation of the dreams...

all the earth came to Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth (Gen 41:57).

Of course, his own brothers, the guys who sold him into slavery, came to buy grain from him and God's sovereign plan was revealed. But that is for a different post.

The point is that Joseph had an amazing work ethic. What was it? His work ethic was the LORD! He went from being a slave to being in charge of everything Potiphar owned. Then he went back to being a prisoner, only to become the second most powerful man besides Pharaoh. As the text reveals, it was the Lord who worked in and through him. May this be true of us as well and let our work ethic be directly connected with the LORD!

MV #1

2009-02-08T00:21:00.000-08:00

I have resolved to memorize one verse(s) each week. So I will blog some stuff about that verse every week. You can always keep me accountable as to whether or not I have memorized it. The point is to fulfill Psalm 119:11, to hide his word in my heart so I wont sin against him.

Memory Verse:

"So teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).

Do you want to gain a heart of wisdom? Simple, number your days! What does it mean to number your days? No, this is not a verse supporting birthdays, sorry! To number our days means to count them, or in other words, to make them count; don't waste your days here upon the earth.

Why will we have wisdom if we number our days? By realizing that we cannot count future days because they have not happened, we will be faced with the realization that we could die at any time. Therefore, by counting our days we can remind ourselves that we have to live for this day, not tomorrow. By living each day as if it were our last, or by living each day as if we were to face God in judgment at the end of it, we will radically change our lifestyle. We will gain a heart of wisdom as we do this. Wisdom will be directly connected with our time management.

Since we are "a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes" (James 4:14), I thought it would be good to memorize Psalm 90:12, which was said by Moses, the man of God. And, it would also be nice to have a heart of wisdom and to redeem the time while I live in this "tent."

A key point in this verse is that we need to ask to be taught this discipline of numbering our days. Lord, help us number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

"Time would not be so prcious if we never died. But since we are never more than a breath away from eternity, the way we use our time has eternal significance" - Donald Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, 134.

The Thought of God's Presence

2009-02-07T10:53:00.000-08:00

Taken from J.C. Ryle's "Where is Your God, My Boy?" Be blessed by this short writing on the presence of God:

(1) The thought of God's presence—is a loud call to humility. How much which is evil and defective, must the all-seeing eye—see in everyone of us! How small a part of our character is really known by man! "Man looks on the outward appearance—but the Lord looks on the heart!" (1 Sam. 16:7). Man does not always see us—but the Lord is always looking at us—morning, noon, and night! Who has not need to say, "God be merciful to me a sinner!"

(2) The thought of God's presence—is a crushing proof of our need of Jesus Christ. What hope of salvation could we have, if there was not a Mediator between God and man? Before the eye of the ever-present God—our best righteousness is filthy rags—and our best doings are full of imperfection! Where would we be—if there was not a fountain open for all sin—even the blood of Christ! Without Christ—the prospect of death, judgment, and eternity would drive us to despair!

(3) The thought of God's presence—teaches the folly of hypocrisy in religion. What can be more silly and childish—than to wear a mere cloak of Christianity, while we inwardly cleave to sin, when God is ever looking at us and sees us through and through! It is easy to deceive ministers and fellow-Christians, because they often see us only upon Sundays. But God sees us morning, noon, and night—and cannot be deceived. Oh, whatever we are in religion—let us be real and true!

(4) The thought of God's presence—is a check and curb on the inclination to sin. The recollection that there is One who is always near us and observing us, who will one day have a reckoning with all mankind—may well keep us back from evil! Happy are those sons and daughters who, when they leave the family home, and launch forth into the world, carry with them the abiding remembrance of God's eye. "My father and mother do not see me—but God does!" This was the feeling which preserved Joseph when tempted in a foreign land: "How can I do this great wickedness—and sin against God!" (Gen. 39:9)

(5) The thought of God's presence—is a spur to the pursuit of true holiness. The highest standard of sanctification is to "walk with God" as Enoch did, and to "walk before God" as Abraham did. Where is the man who would not strive to live so as to please God—if he realized that God was always standing at his elbow! To get away from God—is the secret aim of the sinner. To get nearer to God—is the longing desire of the saint. The real servants of the Lord are "a people near unto Him." (Psalm 148:14)

(6) The thought of God's presence—is a comfort in time of public calamity. When war and famine and pestilence break in upon a land; when the nations are torn by inward divisions, and all order seems in peril—it is cheering to reflect that God sees and knows and is close at hand—that the King of kings is near, and is not asleep.

(7) The thought of God's presence—is a strong consolation in private trial. We may be driven from home and native land—and placed at the other side of the world; we may be bereaved of wife and children and friends—and left alone, like the last tree in a forest. But we can never go to any place where God is not; and under no circumstances can we be left entirely alone.

However hard it is to comprehend this doctrine—it is one which is most useful and wholesome for our souls. To keep continually in mind—that God is always present with us; to live always as in God's sight; to act and speak and think as always under His eye—all this is eminently calculated to have a good effect upon our souls. Wide, and deep, and searching, and piercing—is the influence of that one thought, "You are the God who sees me!" (Genesis 16:13)

Such thoughts as these, are useful and profitable for us all. That man must be in a poor state of soul, who does not feel them to be so. Let it be a settled principle in our religion—never to forget that in every condition and place—that we are under the eye of God! It need not frighten us—if we are true believers. The sins of all believers are cast behind God's back—and even the all-seeing God sees no spot in them! It ought to cheer us—if our Christianity is genuine and sincere. We can then appeal to God with confidence, like David, and say, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You—and lead me along the path of everlasting life!" (Psalm 139:23, 24). Great is the mystery of God's omnipresence; but the true man of God can look at it without fear.

He Lived and Died for You!

2009-02-05T23:49:00.001-08:00

"In recent years Christians have tended to focus on the death of Christ almost to the neglect of His sinless life. Jesus' life of perfect obedience has been seen mostly as a necessary precondition to His death. However, Jesus not only died for us; He also lived for us. All that Christ did in both his life and death, He did in our place as our substitute."— Jerry Bridges, Holiness Day By Dad, 44.

Remember that Jesus didn't only die for you, he lived for you! Because Jesus had to be without sin in order to be the perfect sacrifice, he lived for you and for me as he was living his life. He lived for you, so he could die for you!

Failed 771 Times

2009-02-04T23:31:00.000-08:00

Wow, now this is crazy. I saw on Yahoo News that this 68 year old lady in South Korea has failed her driving test 771 times. Since 2005, she has taken the test nearly every single working day and failed. This is incredible. If she ever passes, maybe she will have a bumper sticker on her car that says, "Never give up, never surrender." I think I probably would have stopped taking the test after I failed it 400 times, but she obviously has perseverance! This must be a world record.

Click here for the full story

Michelle's 21st Birthday

2009-02-02T21:47:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, January 28th, it was Michelle's 21st birthday. I had already given her presents earlier in the month because I couldn't wait to give them to her, but we still celebrated her birthday by going to Disneyland! We had a great time! It was definitely a blessing to take the day off and spend it with my wonderful girlfriend.

Check out our videos from the Innoventions center!

Our future:
City Business
Technological Vacations
Extreme Sports in the Mountains
Going Green in the Country

On Space Mountain!!!

Inside Innoventions.

These guys sang happy birthday to Michelle.

Karaoke.

We sang High School Musical together!

Look at Buzz!

Surprise dinner at Blue Bayou. It is a restaurant inside The Pirates of the Caribbean.

Candlelit dinner.

Birthday girl! =)

Winter Camp

2009-02-01T19:08:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful weekend at our high school camp. I was convicted about many things in my life, especially time management in regards to quiet time with the Lord. There were nine guys in my group, where I was able to counsel them along with my good friend and co-counselor, Aaron. All I wanted to do was to make sure they knew what the gospel was, so I continually described what justification is, which lead into sanctification.

One of the highlights of the group was when I was describing how Christ took our sins upon his body and in return, gave us his righteousness. Now the Father looks at us and now sees Christ's perfection, not ours. One of the guys said, "Kc, I just don't get it. Like, it's incomprehensible." In other words, he was trying to say that it is too good to be true. I was very excited about this because I really wanted my group to understand what Christ did, he brought us to peace with God (Rom 5:1).

Pedro Garcia taught on Romans 13:11-14. He really ministered to me because I need to wake up (v.11), walk uprightly (v.13), and put on the Lord Jesus Christ (v.14).

Another thing I thought about a lot was the song "Holy Fire." It says, "Holy fire, burn away, my desire for anything that is not of you but is of me." I want to be able to see this in my life, because those words are easy to sing, but hard to live.

Here are a few pictures from camp:

Give Credit to Where Credit Is Due

2009-01-24T22:42:00.001-08:00

There are many times that I take credit for what the Lord is doing in my life; this should not be so. Even though some of the things seem like they are in my control, I humbly recognize that it is the Lord who is working in me and doing the work in me. As you will see, the following text reveals how Peter was able to give glory to God even in the midst of persecutors. He realized that the Lord was using him and that he did not do any work in and of himself. Let us learn from his example.

In Acts 3-4 Peter healed a lame man by the temple which made all of the people go into shock because this guy had been lame for 40 years. Then, "the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them (4:1) and they were put into custody.

"And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By what power or by what name have you done this?" (4:5-7).

"let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole" (4:10).

Throughout these two chapters, Peter is always giving the glory and credit to God for doing the work of healing the lame man. The healed man and the observing people didn't praise Peter, they praised God (3:8-9). We need to give credit to God when he works in and through us to accomplish His will. A great work of the Lord will result in the people praising God rather than elevating a person.

Ok, ok, I know. Not too many of us have healed someone who was lame for 40 years. But practically, every good gift is from above (James 1:17), so we should give the Lord the credit for the good that is in our lives. Of course, we all fail at this and we have unthankful hearts many times, but it will be a great benefit to us if we realize that every good gift is from the Lord. So instead of taking credit for the things that happen in our lives, we, like Peter, should give the Lord the credit for what He is doing. Whether it is healing a lame man, receiving a promotion, or accomplishing a great task, let us give the Lord the credit.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Notice: the glory does not go to us, but to the Father.

One Truth

2009-01-22T23:47:00.000-08:00

My professor was asked tonight, "Will Jehovah's Witnesses go to hell because they don't believe in the Trinity?"

Needless to say, the teacher tried answering it without offending anyone, which I respect in a professional classroom, but the answer came out in a somewhat relativistic way. But the truthfulness of the answer does not need to be disregarded. Ultimately, we know that they do not have the right view of God and of salvation, so how can it be obtained if they have false information? It just seems like we (Christians) have a hard time of explaining why people who "believe" in some type of Jesus are not going to heaven (cults).

People seem to want the heaven of the Bible, without having the God of the Bible. Hence the questions, "Can so and so go to heaven without believing in Jesus?" Or in other words, "Can so and so go to the heaven of the Bible without believing in the God of the Bible?" The answer is no.

The logic is simple:

If you have a false Jesus, a false Spirit, and a false gospel (II Cor. 11:4), then you have a false salvation. If the biblical gospel is not accepted (Galatians 1:6-9) then the result is to have a false gospel that does not provide salvation; there is no saving power in it.

Yes, it is a hard truth to admit and explain, but I think the easiest way (and most logical) is:

False Jesus + False Gospel = False Salvation

Swear on the Bible, What Does That Mean?

2009-01-20T22:34:00.000-08:00

(In order to understand the purpose of this blog, you must watch the short video)

THIS IS NOT AN OBAMA BASH.

I have read several different blogs concerning our new President. I agree with all that we need to pray for him and our country and also show respect. But, we ultimately need to show respect to God and follow his word.

Anyways, I have been thinking a lot about how Obama was sworn in on Abraham Lincoln's Bible. My thought has been, "Why would you swear on something that you don't even believe in?"

Please watch this video to understand our President's view of Scripture.

I am not talking about any policies he has or what may be changed, I am focusing on how he is supposed to be an honorable man, but yet he is swearing his presidential oath on something he doesn't even believe in. Where is the honesty at? Why swear on it when he admits it is not authoritative? Does this discredit the honesty of his oath?

This is not an Obama bash. I do give him respect as our Commander and Chief, I am just thinking critically and trying to honor the true "Commander and Chief," our King Jesus. His word is above all, yet it is mocked at by the same person who swears by it?

A side note, this is a wonderful day in American history as logical diversity (as in ethnicity and skin color) can finally be celebrated. Amen.

This not only applies to Obama, but to many of our past Presidents and other government officials. Something to think about.

Reality Check

2009-01-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

Ron McClelland, the bass player for Story Side B, died this weekend while playing basketball on a cruise ship. He collapsed from a heart attack and was not able to be revived. I read an article that stated that he was a youth pastor before he joined the band. It is so crazy to think about how he is dead; he was just simply playing basketball on a cruise ship. I played basketball today at the gym and the thought of death never crossed my mind. He played at Harvest on New Years and I was working the merchandise stand. I crossed eyes several times with him and he even talked to me for a small bit.

This guy was huge! He was stinkin' buff. It is just crazy to think that he died while playing basketball on a cruise ship, even while being in good shape. This is just a fresh reminder that our days our numbered and that death can strike at any time, even while playing a basketball game on a cruise ship. The Lord be with his friends and family.

My Brain Hurts, But My Heart Is Edified

2009-01-18T22:45:00.000-08:00

I had a great weekend because I had the opportunity to listen to several distinguished and prominent speakers. There was a lot to take in, so good thing I took notes! The Lord blessed it and everything was free. This is what I went to:

1) Friday night in Costa Mesa, Ravi Zacharias spoke on "Need God? What If I Don't?"

2) Saturday morning and afternoon in Diamond Bar, the topic of an Apologetics Seminar was "The Challenge to the Church in the Last Days."

Chuck Smith - Matthew 24

Ron Rhodes - Ezekiel 38-39

Norman Geisler - Islam

Charlie Campbell - The Emergent Church

Raul Ries - Ephesians 5

3) Sunday Night in Costa Mesa, Norman Geisler spoke on "The Innerancy of the Bible."

There was a lot of great information presented that was informative, challenging, and encouraging.

To sum it all up, we need to be educated in the Word of God, redeem the time, and let biblical truth influence the world as we accurately represent Jesus Christ.

I was able to "meet" Ravi Zacharias after he spoke. In other words, I shook his hand, said hi, and took a picture with him. He is very inspiring.

Volition

2009-01-15T23:15:00.000-08:00

Volition (n): The act of willing, choosing, or resolving; exercise of willing.

People are willfully choosing to strip human rights away from helpless people. In the past, African American slaves were so horribly dealt with, then Nazis tried to extinguish the Jewish race, and now abortion runs wild in America, deliberately killings millions of babies.

This movie, "Volition," is a great short film (15 minutes) that ties African American slavery, Nazi Germany, and abortion all in one. It is an amazing film. I highly recommend it! Please watch it and let it stir up your emotions and touch your heart, motivating us to love on others in a Christlike manner and view them as He does.

Go to http://www.thedoorpost.com/hope/Volition/

Or, CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE MOVIE

The movie will load automatically. It is a high quality video as well!

The Treasure Principle

2009-01-13T21:15:00.000-08:00

I finished Randy Alcorn's small book The Treasure Principle. It was such a great book that really challenged me on the topic of giving and storing my treasure in heaven. I strongly recommend the book! If you would like one, I have extra that you can have! Just let me know! Here is a quick summary of the book:

Treasure Principle

You can’t take it with you–but you can send it on ahead.

T r e a s u r e P r i n c i p l e K e y s

God owns everything. I’m His money manager.

We are the managers of the assets God has

entrusted—not given—to us.

____________

My heart always goes where I put God’s money.

Watch what happens when you reallocate your money

from temporal things to eternal things.

____________

Heaven, not earth, is my home.

We are citizens of “a better country—a heavenly one”

(Hebrews 11:16).

____________

I should live not for the dot but for the line.

From the dot—our present life on earth—extends a line

that goes on forever, which is eternity in heaven.

____________

Giving is the only antidote to materialism.

Giving is a joyful surrender to a greater person and

a greater agenda. It dethrones me and exalts Him.

____________

God prospers me not to raise my standard

of living, but to raise my standard of giving.

God gives us more money than we need

so we can give—generously.

The end of the book concludes with a challenging giving covenant:

M y G i v i n g C o v e n a n t

1. I affirm God’s full ownership of me and everything entrusted to me.

2. I set aside the firstfruits—at least 10 percent—of every wage and gift I receive as holy and belonging exclusively to the Lord.

3. Out of the remaining treasures God entrusts to me, I seek to make generous freewill gifts.

4. I ask God to teach me to give sacrificially to His purposes, including helping the poor and reaching the lost.

5. Recognizing that I cannot take earthly treasures from this world, I determine to lay them up as heavenly treasures—for Christ’s glory and the eternal good of others and myself.

6. I ask God to show me how to lead others to the present joy and future reward of the Treasure Principle.

Signed: ______________________________________

Witness: _____________________________________

Date: ________________________________________

This is a wonderful book that will greatly impact your life! Plus, it is really short!

I Won!

2009-01-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

I received a pleasant e-mail today from Abraham Piper, who is John Piper's son. The e-mail said:

Congratulations! You were among those drawn for the 3rd prize in our recent giveaway.

That means we want to send you a John Piper Logos Sermon Manuscript Library.

Please respond with the name and address that you would like us to mail your prize to.

Thanks a lot for reading the DG Blog and participating in this giveaway!

Abraham Piper
Web Content Editor
Desiring God

What a blessing! I am getting the John Piper Logos Sermon Manuscript Library for free! It is a computer software that has 1,125 John Piper sermon manuscripts that have been preached over the last 27 years. All I had to do was leave a comment on the Desiring God blog to enter their giveaway. It has an $80 value! Sweet!

A Great Blessing

2009-01-11T23:11:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, Phil is the student that I work with at my work. Of course, he is much more than just someone I work with, he is truly one of my best friends. He has been such a blessing to my life as I get to spend so much time with him. The other day I asked him why I am his best friend and he told me it was because:

1) I am cool.
2) I am fun.
3) I love Jesus.

What a great guy! I was so blessed by that. I hope that the Lord brings someone in your life to greatly impact you the way that Phil has impacted me.

Content In Christ

2009-01-10T23:58:00.001-08:00

I had the wonderful opportunity of visiting a family this morning that is many difficult hardships. I know the two brothers from the basketball ministry and their dad has cancer. Only the mother would come to the basketball games, so I never met the father. When I met him today he was very friendly and full of joy, but he was also full of pain. The cancer enlarged his stomach and it became very evident that he had a large amount of fluid that made his stomach a large, odd shape.

What blessed me so much was seeing this man content in Christ. He told the Lord that he was content with either being healed or going to heaven; he knew he was going to see his Savior. Through the midst of such pain this man was trusting in the saving grace of Jesus; you could see it in his face. My brother and I had the great privileged of anointing him with oil and praying for him and his family. What a great example he was to me.

You see, only the believer has the hope of being with the King. His death could come very soon, and although he may be sad for his family, his face was singing "soon and very soon, I am going to see the King." It was great to also see his family being so supportive of him, especially his wife who has just been trying to help him through all of this.

There is true contentment in Christ, even if you have cancer and are approaching death. To live is Christ and to die is gain.

Throughout the entire time, I was thinking about how the situation could apply to my life and I kept thinking about Ecclesiastes 12:1, which says:

Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come.

Power

2009-01-09T21:16:00.000-08:00

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor 1:18).

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek" (Romans 1:16).

The message of the cross is the power of God and the gospel is also described as being the power of God. The message of the cross is the gospel, which is the power of God.

Isn't amazing to think that we have the power of God? Not that we have the power in and of ourselves, but the power is in the message we contain.

The power is in the message, not the messenger.

This message is powerful!

Good Days, Bad Days, and Grace

2009-01-05T22:52:00.000-08:00

"Your worse days are never so bad that you're beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you're beyond the need of God's grace." — Jerry Bridges.

This is so true. We will never be beyond the reach of God's grace and we will never be beyond the need of God's grace. It doesn't matter how good or bad of a day we are having, we will always need His grace.

Sin, Prayers, and Blessings - Purchased

2008-12-31T12:07:00.000-08:00

Michelle gave me a devotional for Christmas and it has been a great blessing. It is Holiness Day by Day: Transformational Thoughts for Your Spiritual Journey by Jerry Bridges. I read about something yesterday that threw some more insight into the sacrifice of Christ on the cross:

One of the best kept secrets among Christians today is this: Jesus paid it all. I mean all. He not only purchased your forgiveness of sins and your ticket to heaven, He purchased every blessing and every answer to prayer you will ever receive. Every one of them - no exceptions (p.14).

I always thought of Christ just purchasing my soul from hell, which is most definitely true, but it is amazing to think that he purchased every prayer and blessing. What a great King!

It's Almost Like Stealing

2008-12-30T23:18:00.000-08:00

So out of nowhere my brother was like, "Yo KC, lets go to Sports Chalet. They have a sale." So I agreed to roll with him. And well, I got some deals:

New Balance Fitness shoes - $85.00 - I got them for $5.00 (I am giving these to Michelle's dad).

Born casual shoes - $75.00 - I got them for $10.00 (Nice leather, they smell good!)

Salomon hiking shoes - $85.00 - I got them for $2.50 (that's like 97% off!).

Total retail cost: $245
What I paid: $17.50
Getting ridiculous deals: priceless (well not literally, but almost!).

Rape or Recant

2008-12-30T20:16:00.000-08:00

Egyptian police torture and beat believer in attempt to force her reconversion:

Egypt (MNN) ― A report by ASSIST News Service states that while attempting to escape ongoing persecution in Egypt, a Muslim convert was raped and tortured.

Martha Samuel, an Egyptian Muslim who converted to Christianity five years ago, was arrested at the Cairo airport as she was leaving for Russia with her family. Police have promised to release her if she returns to Islam.

In a story covered by the Assyrian International News Agency (AINA), the Egypt for Christ ministry reports that police officers sexually assaulted Samuel both at the National Security office in Heliopolis and at the El-Nozha police station. In a continued attempt to force her return to Islam, police also beat and tortured Samuel. According to AINA, Samuel's children, aged four and two years old, are being denied food to increase pressure on Samuel. Her husband has been taken to the National Security office in Alexandria.

AINA said that the family was trying to travel to Russia using a passport belonging to Samuel, whose former name is Zainab Said Abdel-Aziz. The passport was under Samuel's Christian name, which is on a list of people prohibited from leaving the country. Since converting five years ago, Samuel has undergone continued persecution by Egyptian police, and her own family has tried to murder her.

Let this be a great reminded of what others are doing for Christ in the different parts of the world. Oh Lord, strengthen our faith.

Kevin Clinton?

2008-12-29T22:42:00.000-08:00

I have had a great time going to various Christmas parties and interacting with the various people that I met. One of the memories that sticks out the most is when I was at a party with many of Michelle's relatives. Her grandma only speaks Spanish and she started to talk about me, but I had not idea what she was saying. Everyone started to laugh and then they finally told me what she said: She thought that I looked like Bill Clinton!. It was extremely funny. Evidently, this was supposed to be a great compliment; it meant that I am a good looking white male!

You be the judge. Any resemblance? Let me know!

Even if it's not true, I'll take a compliment when I can get one!

What Won't Be in Heaven

2008-12-26T23:54:00.000-08:00

Be blessed by "What Won't Be in Heaven," by Randy Alcorn:

What Won't Be in Heaven? No death, no suffering. No funeral homes, abortion clinics, or psychiatric wards. No rape, missing children, or drug rehabilitation centers. No bigotry, no muggings or killings. No worry or depression or economic downturns. No wars, no unemployment. No anguish over failure and miscommunication. No con men. No locks. No death. No mourning. No pain. No boredom.

No arthritis, no handicaps, no cancer, no taxes, no bills, no computer crashes, no weeds, no bombs, no drunkenness, no traffic jams and accidents, no septic-tank backups. No mental illness. No unwanted e-mails.

Close friendships but no cliques, laughter but no put-downs. Intimacy, but no temptation to immorality. No hidden agendas, no backroom deals, no betrayals.

Imagine mealtimes full of stories, laughter, and joy, without fear of insensitivity, inappropriate behavior, anger, gossip, lust, jealousy, hurt feelings, or anything that eclipses joy. That will be Heaven.

There won’t be churches or temples in the new universe, not because they’re bad, but because they won’t be necessary. We won’t need to be drawn into God’s presence. We’ll live there, constantly and consciously. We’ll thank God profoundly, and worship and praise him together, whether we’re working in a garden, singing, riding bikes, or drinking coffee (no reason to think there won’t be coffee trees on the New Earth).

Jesus said, “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you. . . . Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven” (Luke 6:21-23).

No one will go hungry, and all will be satisfied. No one will weep, everyone will laugh. That is the promise of Jesus. Count on it.

Give yourself

2008-12-25T14:35:00.001-08:00

With all the gift giving during this year, make sure that you give the best gift of all: yourself.

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" (Romans 12:1).

Michelle and I are having a wonderful time during this Christmas break where we are both off of school. It is great to reflect with the entire body of Christ on the truth of the Incarnation of Christ. Merry "Christ-sent", or "Christmas."

Christ Was Sent

2008-12-24T12:39:00.000-08:00

"Christmas" means "Christ sent," and that is exactly what we are celebrating: that Christ was sent to the earth to drink the cup of the Father's wrath so we could drink the cup of living water.

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).

Henry Morris said, "In that tiny cell in Mary's womb resided all the information not only for Christ's own growth into manhood, but also for the creation, preservation, and redemption of the whole creation."

Wow.

Let us remember that the incarnation (God taking on human nature, becoming fully God and man) did not start at the birth but at the time when Mary first become pregnant. The fact of Jesus being in the womb is a wonderful mystery.

Focus on the incarnation.

Be blessed by B.J. Hoff's poem:

The first time He came,
He came gently on a starlit night,
In a silent hush with no fanfare…

But when HE comes again,
The earth will shake, the stars will fall,
As the trumpets of Heaven
Announce his presence…

The first time He came,
He was ignored and scorned,
despised and rejected and tortured…

But when HE comes again,
All nations will gather to kneel
Before, Him, declaring His glory
And singing His praise…

The first time He came,
He hung on a rugged cross in shame,
Betrayed by His own, to die as a thief

But when He comes again,
He will sit on His throne,
As the universe shouts
In triumphant joy…
And crowns Him everlasting
King of kings and Lord of lords…

A Disturbing Christmas

2008-12-23T14:07:00.000-08:00

The following blog is so good that I had to repost it myself. It is taken from C.J. Mahaney's blog. Please take the time to read this short blog and the news article it contains. It reflects my heart, making me say "Amen!"

"During this time of year, it may be easy to forget that the bigger purpose behind Bethlehem was Calvary. But the purpose of the manger was realized in the horrors of the cross. The purpose of his birth was his death.

Or to put it more personally: Christmas is necessary because I am a sinner. The incarnation reminds us of our desperate condition before a holy God.

Several years ago WORLD Magazine published a column by William H. Smith with the provocative title, 'Christmas is disturbing: Any real understanding of the Christmas messages will disturb anyone' (Dec. 26, 1992)."

In part, Smith wrote:

Many people who otherwise ignore God and the church have some religious feeling, or feel they ought to, at this time of the year. So they make their way to a church service or Christmas program. And when they go, they come away feeling vaguely warmed or at least better for having gone, but not disturbed.

Why aren’t people disturbed by Christmas? One reason is our tendency to sanitize the birth narratives. We romanticize the story of Mary and Joseph rather than deal with the painful dilemma they faced when the Lord chose Mary to be the virgin who would conceive her child by the power of the Holy Spirit. We beautify the birth scene, not coming to terms with the stench of the stable, the poverty of the parents, the hostility of Herod. Don’t miss my point. There is something truly comforting and warming about the Christmas story, but it comes from understanding the reality, not from denying it.

Most of us also have not come to terms with the baby in the manger. We sing, “Glory to the newborn King.” But do we truly recognize that the baby lying in the manger is appointed by God to be the King, to be either the Savior or Judge of all people? He is a most threatening person.

Malachi foresaw his coming and said, “But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap.” As long as we can keep him in the manger, and feel the sentimental feelings we have for babies, Jesus doesn’t disturb us. But once we understand that his coming means for every one of us either salvation or condemnation, he disturbs us deeply.

What should be just as disturbing is the awful work Christ had to do to accomplish the salvation of his people. Yet his very name, Jesus, testifies to us of that work.

That baby was born so that “he who had no sin” would become “sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” The baby’s destiny from the moment of his conception was hell—hell in the place of sinners. When I look into the manger, I come away shaken as I realize again that he was born to pay the unbearable penalty for my sins.

That’s the message of Christmas: God reconciled the world to himself through Christ, man’s sin has alienated him from God, and man’s reconciliation with God is possible only through faith in Christ…Christmas is disturbing.

"Don’t get me wrong—Christmas should be a wonderful celebration. Properly understood, the message of Christmas confronts before it comforts, it disturbs before it delights.

The purpose of Christ’s birth was to live a sinless life, suffer as our substitute on the cross, satisfy the wrath of God, defeat death, and secure our forgiveness and salvation.

Christmas is about God the Father (the offended party) taking the initiative to send his only begotten son to offer his life as the atoning sacrifice for our sins, so that we might be forgiven for our many sins.

As Smith so fitly concludes his column:

Only those who have been profoundly disturbed to the point of deep repentance are able to receive the tidings of comfort, peace, and joy that Christmas proclaims.

Amen and Merry Christmas!"

Let us share the truth and reality of the incarnation, not a warm and fuzzy American Christmas version.

2 in 1

2008-12-22T22:17:00.000-08:00

Two random things in one blog!

I received this e-mail from the online traffic school that I went to in order to clear up a ticket. I thought it was really funny:

Dear Kevin,

The holidays are a special time of year for everybody... Especially law enforcement!

While you're enjoying spending time with loved ones, the police are out in full force making sure that our roadways are safe. Unfortunately, they're also handing out tickets more often than at any other time of year.
If you're one of the unlucky many who happens to get a ticket this holiday season, don't worry GoToTrafficSchool has got you covered!
Enter special discount code HOLIDAY during your online registration and get $2 off our already low priced course.

haha, Merry Christmas, and just in case you get a ticket, here is $2 off. lol

Also, I went to Chick-fil-A today and used a coupon, and they were so nice to give me a free coupon for a milkshake! Sweet! I have used so many free coupons at Chick-fil-A it is almost ridiculous, lol. Gotta support them, they always hook it up!

Santa or Savior?

2008-12-21T23:52:00.000-08:00

Sadly, many Christians are mixing Santa with Savior. I find it difficult to combine the two. Santa is so typical of America: tell your children a lie that they will believe for years, yet try to teach them morality by telling them not to lie. Is Jesus really the reason for the season? Don't let your Christmas be like the following pictures. These are absolutely horrible:

It's about time I show this.

2008-12-15T20:58:00.000-08:00

Please, watch this short video and let it change your heart about giving during this Christmas season. Don't be consumed by consumerism.

“Consumered By Consumerism”

Get this and get that.

Eat, drink, and gain fat.

More and more

You’ll return to the store,

Build up your credit

And abuse your debit

Trying to create joy

With a worthless toy.

False giving, true receiving

Already bored on Christmas evening.

Fake commercialized love

Not focused on things above,

A Christless Christmas

Turned into a consumer’s business.

Focused on worthless things

Instead of praise to the King of kings.

Farmer KC

2008-12-14T11:23:00.000-08:00

I am house sitting this weekend for Phil's family. They live in Norco and practically have a farm! I am taking care of 3 horses, 3 dogs, 1 goat, and 1 cat. Whew. This city boy is becomin' a farmer!

Job

2008-12-11T19:04:00.000-08:00

Please watch this short video. It gives a beautiful illustration to the story of Job. As I just posted a blog about a modern day Job, I am reminded of the actual pain that Job went through.

Modern Day Job

2008-12-09T20:45:00.000-08:00

Below is an e-mail that I received from Pastor Ralph Arthur. I read it and was shocked because I saw the news headline for it earlier but never knew that this horrible situation happened to a brother in Christ. Please read for this is definitely a modern day example of Job.

Chaplain for San Diego County Medical Examiner:

“Please pray for Mr. Yoon who lost his entire family and every earthly possession in his life today in a moment’s time. His wife, mother-in-law (who recently arrived from Korea to assist with the baby), one month old baby and toddler were all killed as they were in their house as an F-18 completely destroyed it and the house next door. Mr. Yoon is a man of faith and desperately needs our prayers for comfort from the only One that can provide it. He will not be able to have a viewing to say goodbye due to the damage from the fire. His pastor was on the way as we left him last night and he does have family he will stay with in Chula Vista .

Joe Davis

Chaplain

San Diego County Medical Examiner

The following is from Yahoo News:

The Marine Corps fighter plane was returning from an offshore training mission when it clipped a tree and slammed into homes about two miles from Miramar. Two homes were incinerated, and three others were damaged. Three generations of a Korean family died in one home.

The family's pastor, the Rev. Kevin Le e of the Korean United Methodist Church in San Diego, identified three of them as Young Mi Yoon, 36; her 2-month-old daughter, Rachel; and her mother, Suk Im Kim, 60, who was visiting from South Korea to help care for her daughter's newborn.

The body of 15-month-old Grace Yoon, Rachel's sister, was found in the home Tuesday, Fire Department spokesman Maurice Luque said. No one else remained missing.

Young Mi Yoon's widower defended the pilot Tuesday.

"I don't have any hard feelings," Dong Yun Yoon, 37, told reporters near the rubble where his home once stood. "I know he did everything he could."

Dong Yun Yoon, who left Korea in 1989 and became a U.S. citizen, wondered aloud how he would persevere after losing his family.

"Please tell me how to do it," he said, surrounded by his pastor, sister, brother and church members. "I don't know what to do."

This is a modern day Job. Man, this is crazy. A marine fighter plane crashes into his house and kills three generations worth of his family. Everything and everyone is gone in a second. What if this happened to you? To me? What would we do? The only answer can be found in having the Lord. He is the only one who can get Dong Yun Yoon, a 37 year old man, through this horrible time. We need to pray for this man because he has literally lost everything. Just at the Lord did for Job, may he restore for Yoon everything in abundance.

This is a time where this verse seems to really stick out:

Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:25-26

H.S. Christmas Dinner

2008-12-08T21:24:00.000-08:00

We had our high school leadership Christmas dinner last Saturday. We had a great time feasting down on some El Pollo Loco, worship, the Word, a crazy gift exchange, and fellowship. You were either supposed to dress in black and read, or wear an old ugly Christmas sweater. So...I chose the sweater, too bad barely anyone else did!

That DAY Will Be Great!

2008-12-07T23:34:00.000-08:00

This is such a great song that encourages me to think of the day when I will see Jesus face to face. Oh man, what a great day. Knowing that Jeremy's first wife died when she was 21 and he was 23, this song is very powerful. Be blessed and edified through this song and praise the King!

There Will Be A Day - Jeremy Camp

I try to hold on to this world
with everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings,
and the hurt that tries to grab
The many trials that seem to never end,
His word declares this truth,
that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew

But I hold on to this hope and
the promise that He brings
That there will be a place
with no more suffering

[Chorus]
There will be a day with no more tears,
no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the
burdens of this place, will
be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always

I know the journey seems so long
You feel you´re walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you´ve walked out all alone

[Chorus]

Troubled soul don´t lose your heart
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that´s in store
Outweighs the hurt of life's sting

I can´t wait until that day
where the very one
I´ve lived for always will wipe
away the sorrow that I´ve faced
To touch the scars that rescued
me from a life of shame
and misery this is why this is why I sing

Great for Pastors

2008-12-07T16:25:00.000-08:00

This is a great reminded as to what the purpose of the pulpit is. This is also encouraging for anyone who isn't a pastor that gets the opportunity to share small devotions.

Self-seeking

2008-12-06T11:45:00.000-08:00

6 "He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury" (Romans 2:6-8, ESV).

There are only two types of people here, believers and non-believers.

Believers: seek for glory, honor, and immortality = given eternal life.

Non-believers: self-seeking (contentious), do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness = wrath and fury.

What alarms me is that one of the descriptions about the people who will receive wrath and fury is that they are self-seeking. It is extremely contrary to our society to not be self-seeking. This is something we must battle. Lord, help us!

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4).

"Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me" (Romans 15:2).
"Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being" (1 Cor 10:24).
"For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" (John 6:38).

Let this not be a description of ourselves: "For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus" Philippians 2:21).

It Came Quick!

2008-12-03T23:00:00.000-08:00

As of today, Michelle and I have been together for a year and a half! Pretty crazy!

Don't take the credit.

2008-12-01T21:09:00.000-08:00

Throughout the book of Acts, Peter is always giving glory to God for the miracles that happened. It is always recorded that the people glorified and praised God, not Peter, for the things that were done. Acts 3-4 is a great example. It talks about how Peter healed a lame man.

"Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?" (Acts 3:12).
"let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole" (Acts 4:10)
So let us give the credit to the Lord when He does something, instead of robbing him of his glory.

Consumed by Consumerism

2008-11-29T22:07:00.001-08:00

If you haven't heard yet, a Walmart employee was killed on "Black Friday." As the store opened the doors at 5:00am, the crowd rushed in and trampled the 34 year old man, killing him. How sad is that. A man's life is taken because some people wanted a good deal. America is CONSUMED BY CONSUMERISM!

It is extremely sad that a crowd like this would trample a man to death. As they stepped all over him they thought it would be more important to get a deal than to save a life. Horrible.

Watch this short video from the Associated Press about the worker at Walmart and also a shooting that took place in a Toys R Us:

Webcam

2008-11-29T13:01:00.000-08:00

As part of Michelle's crazy laptop package, I got a webcam! Pretty cool yo. Now I can be like all you Mac people, even if it isn't as good. It was free! Like my new headband? It rocks.

Also, check out the first video that I made on Michelle's laptop:

Spent the entire day together. . . literally

2008-11-28T17:28:00.000-08:00

So Michelle and I had a crazy day, or day(s). Long story short, we were the first in line at Office Max so Michelle could get a laptop. It was crazy!

For the full story click HERE

Thanks...giving

2008-11-27T21:52:00.001-08:00

Well it is the one day were everyone openly participates in gluttony! . . . j/k. It was a blessing to take advantage of this holiday we call "Thanksgiving" even though it has been commercialized just like every other holiday we celebrate, by serving food to the hungry at Bryant park. Although there were a ton of volunteers from the church, it was still nice to serve the 5 or 6 plates of food and ask the Lord to bless the people receiving it. Don't worry, we just didn't hand food out, the gospel was presented as well.

We need to be thankful for his blessings, but are we living a lifestyle that demonstrates that? Am I living a lifestyle like that? Or do I just decide to be thankful once a year?

One way to be truly thankful is to remember the finished work of the cross of Christ and look forward to being with him forever in paradise.

On a side note, shouldn't our THANKS produce GIVING? You know...THANKSGIVING? And we should also thank the Lord for his giving: the giving of the son of God to endure the wrath of the Father for our sins, so that we might become his righteousness. Whew, amen!

False Intercession

2008-11-24T23:57:00.000-08:00

I visited the San Juan Capistrano Mission around two years ago. I was looking back at the pictures and it made me remember how all the people were writing prayers down to this saint so that he could pray for them. It was heart breaking seeing how Jesus was being turned into a statue and how mere humans were being elevated. As others were writing their prayers in the prayer journal, I had to write something myself:

We have access to the throne! Not access to dead humans.

Interesting

2008-11-24T22:02:00.000-08:00

Does it make sense that students are encouraged to heed the words of Confucius: "What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others,” during morning announcements?

There is no way that Jesus would ever be able to be quoted during morning announcements at a public school even though that saying is most widely associated with him. You can apply the "Golden Rule" as long as Jesus isn't associated with it. Interesting.

Also, does it make sense to have several books in the library that contain the "F" word in the actual text. Those books are tolerated and yet the students get in trouble for saying the words that they are reading. Interesting.

RE -

2008-11-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

The following is an except from one of Randy Alcorn's powerpoint presentations.

God has never given up on his original creation. An entire biblical vocabulary that makes this point clear. Each of these biblical words begins with the re- prefix, suggesting a return to an original condition that was ruined or lost.

Redemption: buying back what was formerly owned.
Reconciliation: regaining a friend.
Renewal: making new again, restoring to an original state.
Resurrection: becoming physically alive again, after death.
Regeneration: being born again, having a new beginning.
Restoration: bringing back the lost.

What a blessing our King is! What great provision He has!

Mercy and Comfort

2008-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort" (2 Cor 1:3).

"The God of all consolation. This most compassionate Father is the God, that is, the author, of all, that is, of all possible, consolation." —Barnes' Notes on the New Testament

Wow. The Father of MERCIES and the God of all COMFORT desires to show his mercy and comfort to ME, a sinner. Forever grateful.

This verse seems so simple but yet it is so profound. This verse will keep growing deeper and deeper; it is beautiful.

Democracy

2008-11-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

With all the gay protesting going around, it is time to think about a few critical elements on this issue.

DEMOCRACY:

Government by popular representation; a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the people, but is indirectly exercised through a system of representation and delegated authority periodically renewed; a constitutional representative government; a republic. The common people, considered as the primary source of political power; majority rule.

The people voted and the results came in. The protesters want freedom but they don't understand the foundation to the freedom in America: democracy.

Are the people who voted for McCain protesting the White House? Are the McCain supporters receiving "hate" since their wishes were not granted? No! The same way, homosexuals are not being hated on, nor are they being discriminated against. Majority rules.

Their rights are not being taken away. What will be next? Fathers wanting to marry their daughters? Should we allow anyone to do as they please? Men having multiple wives or people marrying their pets? Certainly not.

As you can see, democracy has been turned into "hate." What they call hate, in all reality, is actually fair.

Heaven

2008-11-13T18:31:00.000-08:00

When you think about your future, is the primary thought about heaven or is it about your schooling, career, or family, or success? The main concern of our future should be about where we will spend eternity! For us believers, how come we don’t think about heaven very much? Is it because it is thought to be a place that all “good” people go to when they die? Is it some type of distant mystery? The bible teaches that it is a reality here in the present. If we would only read our bibles more and focus upon the reality of heaven, we wouldn’t set our hearts upon things down here, but would seek the imperishable things above.

The most important aspect about heaven is that Jesus will be there. The supreme desire of every believer should be to see their Lord. If that is not your ultimate motive, you need to analyze why you want to go to heaven. What if Jesus wasn’t there? Would you still want to go to heaven? John Piper says it best:

“Would you be happy in heaven if Christ were not there? The critical question for our generation—and for every generation— is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ were not there?

I agree with what D.L. Moody said, “What life on this earth is without health, life in heaven would be without the presence of God. God's presence will be the very light and life of the place.” When desiring to go to heaven, if the first and foremost motive of your heart does not involve God, then you have a wrong motive and a wrong view of God.

How Not To Get There:
A. By being a “good” person.
B. By purposely doing good deeds so you can earn your own way.
C. By having an internal belief with no external evidence.
D. By being baptized as a small infant or by saying a meaningless prayer.
E. By simply not wanting to go to hell; "fire insurance."

How To Get There:
A. By being in love with Jesus (1 Corinthians 16:22)
B. By having faith that produces external evidence (James 2:18).
C. Repenting (turning away from) sin and turning towards Jesus (Luke 13:3).

Simple Truths Regarding Heaven:
A. Death will not exist in heaven (Isaiah 25:8).
B. Only righteous people will enter heaven (Matthew 5:17-20).
C. Few people will enter heaven (Matthew 7:13-14).
D. Jesus is preparing heaven for his followers (John 14:2-3).
E. Our lives will not be complete until we enter heaven (2 Corinthians 5:2).
F. Heaven is much better than earth (Philippians 1:23).
G. Christians should look forward to heaven (Colossians 3:1-5).
H. Heaven is the home of righteousness (2 Peter 3:13).
I. God is the focus of attention in heaven (Revelation 7:17).
J. There will not be any sadness in heaven (Revelation 21:4).
K. People in heaven will walk with God (Revelation 22:5).

The Distant Future, Now:
A. We are to be heavenly minded (Colossians 3:3).
B. Our current citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
C. We are pilgrims, sojourners, foreigners, and aliens to this earth (1 Peter 2:11).
D. Our live is but a vapor here on this earth (James 4:14). E. Everlasting life is occupied in this lifetime (John 3:36).

First and foremost, the main reason why heaven sounds so enticing to me is because Jesus will be there. What a marvelous joy it will be to see Him face to face. When I think about heaven, I am reminded of the classic song by Mercy Me, “I Can Only Imagine.”

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face
Is before me
I can only imagine
[Chorus]:
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

Being Heavenly Minded

Our life will be more focused as we fix out thoughts, time, energy, money, etc., upon the future instead of the present. We will not squander this life and let it pass us by when we focus upon the eternal. If we were going to be moving to a new location here upon this earth, we would research the new area and find out all the information about it. We need to do the same for our eternal destiny, but with much more urgency and priority.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

We must not focus upon this materialistic life. Everything will pass away and the more we put aside the things of this world, the closer our mindset will be towards heaven. To prove this point, here is a great illustration by D.L. Moody:

When a man is going up in a balloon, he takes in sand as ballast, and when he wants to mount a little higher, he throws out some of it, and then he will mount a little higher; he throws out a little more ballast, and he mounts still higher; and the more he throws out the higher he gets, and so the more we have to throw out of the things of this world the nearer we get to God.

Everybody wants to enjoy heaven after they die, but sadly, they don't want to be heavenly minded while they live here in this present age.

Jesus said that He is preparing a place for us in heaven. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. Here are a few examples that show how people are not ready:

• A little girl one day said to her mother, "Mamma, my Sunday-school teacher tells me that this world is only a place in which God lets us live a while, that we may prepare for a better world. But, mother, I do not see anybody preparing. I see you preparing to go into the country, and Aunt Eliza is preparing to come here; but I do not see anyone preparing to go there; why don't they try to get ready?"

• A certain gentleman in the South, before the war, had a pious slave, and when the master died they told him he had gone to heaven. The old slave shook his head, "I's 'fraid massa no gone there," he said. "But why, Ben?" he was asked. "Cos, when Massa go North, or go a journey to the Springs, he talk about it a long time, and get ready. I never hear him talk about going to heaven; never see him get ready to go there!"

So the question arises, are you prepared for heaven? Let the thought of heaven change our daily routines, our comforts in this life, and our view of people. Amen.

"Beyond the smiling and the weeping,
I shall be soon;
Beyond the waking and the sleeping,
Beyond the sowing and the reaping,
I shall be soon.
Love, rest, and home!
Sweet Home!
Lord, tarry not, but come.
"Beyond the rising and the setting,
I shall be soon;
Beyond the calming and the fretting,
Beyond remembering and forgetting,
I shall be soon.
Love, rest, and home!
Sweet Hope!
Lord, tarry not, but come."

Just Jesus

2008-11-11T23:48:00.000-08:00

After my class I knew that I needed to get gas. Of course I visited Michelle first to say hi, so I ended up getting gas at 11:00pm. I forgot which gas station it was, but it is on the corner of Adams and Indiana. As soon as I pulled in I thought, "I need to tell him (the cashier) about Jesus. So after debating it in my mind, I decided to. Why not? It was 11:00 at night and I was the only one anywhere near the gas station!

So I start talking to him and he had a heavy accent since he is from Egypt and speaks Arabic and has only been in the U.S. for a year and a half. So I talked to him about Jesus and he happened to be on the phone, and the guy who was on the phone was apparently a Christian because Isaac (the cashier) wanted me to talk to him.

The man on the phone said Jesus was the Savior. I said, "Yes! He is the King!" Then the man rebuked me and said, "No! He is the King of kings!" I laughed and then agreed with him. I realized that I can't always use my slogans when talking to others. So make sure you define your terms!

Ok ok, so whats your point KC?

So I asked the cashier what his religion was and he immediately pointed to his wrist. He had a tiny, faded tattoo of a cross. He said that he was a Christian. As I am standing there talking to his friend on the phone, the cashier walked out of the store and apparently went to his car. He brought in this giant necklace that was formed out of pictures of various saints and different pictures of Jesus and a cross was formed at the bottom of it. He named off some of his favorite saints and said that he was Orthodox.

My reasoning for posting this is because it saddens me that so many focus on mere humans rather than Jesus, such as Mary the mother of Jesus and various saints. He identified himself as a Christian by his small tattoo and by his necklace, rather than by Jesus. Since he couldn't understand me that well, I encouraged him to only focus upon Jesus and to read his word.

Earlier today I read this verse:
4 "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law" Gal 4:4 (ESV).

Notice how Paul simply refers to Mary as a woman. She is not elevated or given special honor. Now I am not dishonoring her, what a blessed woman she was! But she is not to be elevated above her rightful place. Paul never hinted towards a "Hail Mary" or said, "God sent forth his Son, born of the blessed Virgin who makes intercession for us." No! He said "woman" showing her equality with all other humans.

Lets keep our eyes focused upon Jesus!

Wow...and He Loves ME!?!?!?

2008-11-11T14:28:00.000-08:00

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, 4 What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?

Psalm 8:3-4

Please watch this 3 minute video, you will be blessed!

It is amazing that I am so small and insignificant and yet the Lord's thoughts towards me are innumerable (more than all the sand in the world). Wow...

Pretty Sneaky!

2008-11-10T15:45:00.000-08:00

I was taking an online test in the CBU library yesterday and Michelle came and secretly took a picture of me! She sent it to me later at night and I never knew that she was there.

She said: I took a peek when u were taking your test! You're so cute!

My babe is so sweet =)

Livin' it!

2008-11-10T00:43:00.000-08:00

Please watch this very short video, you will be blessed!

What if we all lived like grandma Clara? Challenging for sure.

You're Preserved

2008-11-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

As Jude is addressing his readers he says, "To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ" (Jude 1).

As a Christian, you are:

Called
Sanctified
Preserved

Most Christians know that they are called and sanctified, but what a blessing it is to think that we are preserved in Christ. Preserved (tēreō) is to guard from loss or injury; properly by keeping the eye upon. What a great blessing that we are preserved, or kept, in Jesus Christ!

Beloved, Let Us Love One Another

2008-11-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35

We are called to both love the body of Christ and the lost. So many people within the body of Christ have disputes and tension with one another and it is horrible.

How can we love the lost if we can't even love the redeemed?

Be Ye Kind

2008-10-30T00:19:00.000-07:00

My experience at CBU hasn't necessarily been the best due to transfer problems, bad professors, and discrimination against me participating in certain events because I am in the DCP (Degree Completion Program). Although, they do have a wonderful cafeteria!

BUT my favorite experience has to be every time I go to the bathroom...this sign makes me laugh every time!